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Winter Sniffles

Could Mold Be the Culprit?

Molds are part of the natural
environment. Outdoors,
molds play a part in nature
by breaking down dead organic matter,
such as fallen leaves and dead trees.
But indoors, mold growth should be
avoided. Molds reproduce by means
of tiny spores; the spores are invisible
to the naked eye and float through outdoor
and indoor air. Mold may begin
growing indoors when mold spores
land on wet surfaces. There are many
types of mold, and none of them will
grow without water or moisture.

Can mold cause health problems?
Molds do have the potential to cause
health problems. Molds produce allergens,
irritants, and in some cases,
potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins).
Inhaling or touching mold or
mold spores may cause allergic reactions
in sensitive individuals. Allergic
responses include hay-fever-like symptoms,
such as sneezing, runny nose, red
eyes, and skin rash. Allergic reactions
to mold are common. They can be immediate
or delayed.

Molds can also cause asthma attacks
in people with asthma who are allergic
to mold. In addition, mold exposure
can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat,
and lungs of both mold-allergic and
nonallergic people. Symptoms other
than the allergic and irritant types are
not commonly reported as a result of
inhaling mold.

How do I get rid of mold?
It is
impossible to get rid of all mold and
mold spores indoors; some mold spores
will be found floating through the air
and in house dust. However, the mold
spores will not grow if moisture is not
present. Indoor mold growth can and
should be prevented or controlled by
controlling moisture indoors. If there
is mold growth in your home, you must
clean up the mold and fix the water
problem. If you clean up the mold, but
don’t fix the water problem, the mold
problem will most likely come back.

Allergic reactions to mold are common. Molds
can also cause asthma attacks in people with
asthma who are allergic to mold.

When cleaning moldy areas, avoid
breathing in mold or mold spores. In
order to limit your exposure to airborne
mold, you may want to wear an N-95
respirator, available at many hardware
stores. (They cost about $12 to $25.)
Some N-95 respirators resemble a
paper dust-mask with a nozzle on the
front; others are made primarily of
plastic or rubber and have removable
cartridges that trap most of the mold
spores and keep them from entering.
In order to be effective, the respirator
or mask must fit properly, so carefully
follow the instructions supplied with
the respirator.

Wear gloves and goggles when cleaning
up mold. Long gloves that extend
to the middle of the forearm are recommended.
When working with water
and a mild detergent, ordinary household
rubber gloves may be used. If you
are using a disinfectant, a biocide such
as chlorine bleach, or a strong cleaning
solution, you should select gloves made
from natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile,
polyurethane, or PVC. Goggles that
do not have ventilation holes are recommended.
Avoid touching mold or
moldy items with your bare hands, and
avoid getting mold or mold spores in
your eyes.

The following are tips to help rid
your home of mold and moisture:

When water leaks or spills occur
indoors, act quickly. If wet or damp
materials or areas are dried within 24 to 48 hours after a leak or spill happens,
in most cases mold will not grow.

Clean and repair roof gutters regularly.

Make sure the ground slopes away
from the building foundation so that
water does not enter or collect around
the foundation.

If you see condensation or moisture
collecting on windows, walls, or
pipes, act quickly to dry the wet surface
and reduce the moisture or water
source. Condensation can be a sign of
high humidity.

Reduce the humidity in your home.

Vent appliances that produce moisture,
such as clothes dryers, stoves, and
kerosene heaters, to the outside where
possible. (Combustion appliances, such
as stoves and kerosene heaters, produce
water vapor and will increase the humidity
unless vented to the outside.)

Use air conditioners and dehumidifiers
when needed.

Run the bathroom fan or open the
window when showering. Use exhaust
fans or open windows when cooking,
running the dishwasher, or dishwashing.

Increase ventilation or air movement
by opening doors and windows when
practical. Use fans as needed.